The new platform, called ePrint, allows users to print from any device to a web-enabled printer using e-mail. Each printer gets its own unique e-mail address, and designated users can use their smartphone, tablet or laptop to print remotely -- no drivers necessary.

This connectivity allows the printers to talk to the cloud and access Google Docs, Photos and Calendar directly. HP has also partnered with Yahoo, msnbc.com, Facebook, Live Nation, Crayola, Reuters, DocStoc and Google (Picasa) for apps.

Perhaps the most important part of the announcement has nothing to do with the consumer, at least directly. With web-connectivity, HP can now open a digital print advertising platform to pipe in premium content and "populate select print content with customized messages, promotions and information like coupons or local services."

The announcement is clear: printing's gone to the cloud. But in an age of mobility and portable computing devices, does it really matter?

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